In Service

"Just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many."

--Matthew 20:28  (NKJV)

From the daily Bible reading on January 29, 2013 of Psalm 22:22-31; Matthew 20:17-34; Exodus 3-4.

Jesus constantly tried to impress upon His disciples, and on us as well, the importance of serving others. We often refer to Him as the Gentle Servant, and He certainly was just that. He said He came to serve, not to be served. The Son of God, the Creator of everything, the One who could heal with a word, calm the wind, still the seas, lowered Himself to earth and placed Himself beneath others in status. This Man could have demanded anything He wanted, could have made a personal servant of every man, woman, and child on earth, of every king and peasant, of every priest and follower, of every master and slave. But He didn't. Instead, this all-powerful Son of God came to serve all, and serve He did. He fed the hungry, cured the sick, healed the lame and the blind and the deaf, and raised the dead. But His greatest service by far was in giving His very life on earth as a ransom for us all, so that we might be spared the final and lasting death. The price is paid. All we have to do is believe in Jesus the Son of God, Jesus the servant.  May we be more like Him. Amen.

Lord Jesus, we acknowledge You as the Son of the one true God and welcome You into our life as our Lord and Master, our Savior. Help us understand how we may serve others, Lord, and in doing so serve You. In Your holy name, dear Jesus we pray.  Amen.